Montessori Approach
The Montessori approach to education has its central thought the development of the human potential. It is an approach based on "following the child", on recognising and responding to the developmental needs of the child. Thus the stages of development through a variety of ages are catered for. Children are able to choose tasks and move through all educational material at their own pace.
Special Gift - Birth to 6 Years
Dr Montessori realised that children between the age of birth and six years have a special gift that allows them to learn easily even though conscious will and memory are not yet fully developed. She called this the "Absorbent mind". In the period of three to six years the young child's need for order, movement, social interaction, sensory-motor and language experiences guides the conceptual framework of the Montessori classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Montessori - Montessori FAQ’s
Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
A. At the under age six level, Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Above age 6 children learn to do independent research, arrange field trips to gather information, interview specialists, create group presentation, dramas, art exhibits, musical productions, science projects, and so forth. There is no limit to what they created in this kind of intelligently guided freedom. There no text books or adult-directed group lessons and daily schedule. There is great respect for the choices of the children, but they easily keep up with or surpass what they would be doing in a more traditional setting. There is no wasted time and children enjoy their work and study. The children ask each other for lessons and much of the learning comes from sharing and inspiring each other instead of competing with each other.
Montessori classes place children in three-year-or-more age groups (3-6, 2.5-6, 6-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.
Q. Can I do Montessori at home with my child?
A. Yes, you can use Montessori principles of child development at home. Look at your home through your child's eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. "Help me do it by myself" is the life theme of the preschooler. Can you find ways for your child to participate in meal preparation, cleaning, gardening, caring for clothes, shoes, and toys? Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child's self-esteem.
At the school level many homeschooling and other parents use the Montessori philosophy of following the child's interest and not interrupting concentration to educate their children.
In school only a trained Montessori teacher can properly implement Montessori education, using the specialized learning equipment of the Montessori "prepared environment." Here social development comes from being in a positive and unique environment with other children -- an integral part of Montessori education.
Q. Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities? What about gifted children?
A. Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multiage grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling "ahead" or "behind" in relation to peers.
Q. What ages does Montessori serve?
A. There are more Montessori programs in Australia for ages 3-6 than for any other age group, but Montessori is not limited to early childhood. Many infant/toddler programs (ages 2 months to 3 years) exist, as well as Primary school (ages 6-12), and even a few Montessori high schools - Adolescent (ages 12-18).
Q. How will my child integrate into a conventional school?
By the time a Montessori student reaches year 7, he or she will have covered the curriculum set by the Queensland Department of Education, the same as every other school. Their advantage will be the love of learning, which is of course the Montessori difference.
Regardless of where they go - private or public school, Montessori students take with them a positive attitude to learning and to life attracting similar positive feedback. They exhibit high self-esteem, social skills, well developed organisational skills and the ability to work with others. They are inquisitive and ask know how to ask pertinent questions.
Q. Are Montessori children successful later in life?
A. Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.
